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Hands up if you’ve ever planned to head out for an early morning run, only to end up having one too many drinks the night before? Now, we’re not saying that alcohol can’t be enjoyed as part of a healthy training routine, but if you’re looking for a way to enjoy a drink without copping any of the negative side effects, there are more non-alcoholic drinks than ever to choose from – and no, we're not talking about electrolytes.
Or maybe you've ditched the booze and gone Sober for October, and are looking for some fun alcohol-free alternatives to enjoy? Either way, we’ve rounded up some of our tried and tested favourites below, so you don’t have to choose between having another tipple or chasing down that PB – cheers!
The best non-alcoholic drinks: healthy and delicious
These are our favourite alcohol-free drinks, at a glance. Keep scrolling for our nutritionist-approved tips on how to enjoy them.
Does alcohol affect running performance?
Drinking can have a number of effects on the body. When it comes to running specifically, it can compromise sleep and temporarily reduce your body’s ability to store glycogen, which is vital for endurance. It could also make you more prone to injury, as alcohol can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which slows down the repair process.
And while many of us enjoy a post-race beer or two, did you know that alcohol can affect the post-run recovery period? Muscles grow and recover from exercise by a process called muscle protein synthesis, but an Australian study found that drinking alcohol reduces the rate of MPS, slowing recovery.
best non-alcoholic drinks for runners
This award-winning bold and refreshing non-alcoholic spirit is carefully distilled with a combination of three botanicals; Macedonian juniper berries, zesty ginger and habanero capsicum. The juniper notes make it one of the most gin-like alternatives out there, and every bottle purchased helps to protect and regenerate one square metre of seagrass.
This alcohol-free brew is great for craft beer fans who love a post-run pint. Made with a blend of five Northwest hops, this slightly bitter, malty brew will hit the spot and also kickstart your post-run rehydration.
We’re going out on a limb here and heralding this as the best alcohol-free lager we’ve tasted. Yep, it’s so good that you’ll literally forget there’s not a drop of alcohol in it. Lucky Saint is made from just four ingredients too (pilsner malt, hallertau hops, spring water and classic lager yeast) so you know no nasties have gone into it. Available as bottles or cans, you can order as little as 4 or as many as 40 units.
If you want an indulgent post-run pick-me-up, try this tropical infusion of juniper and Inca Berry, citrus and spice botanicals. This slightly sweet, slightly tangy spirit alternative comes in a beautiful bottle and has a distinctly bright vibe about it. Why not team with coconut water for a hydrating electrolyte infusion?
Need a change from mulled cider or the gallons of festive prosecco you’ve consumed? Get your hit of fizzy sweetness in the form of a fermented tea, rich in antioxidants (great for counteracting post-run inflammation) and wonderful served with a slice of green apple.
More of a whisky by the fire kind of person? If Scottish spirits are your favourite, Feragaia could be the alcohol-free drink alternative for you. Feragaia is a distilled spirit made from 14 botanicals and blended and bottled in the Scottish Lowlands. A mix between Scotch and Kombucha, enjoy on the rocks or with a bitter grapefruit tonic.
This sparkling tea goes especially well with seafood and Japanese dishes. It is fermented as a sparkling wine from quality loose-leaf teas, offering a flavour profile akin to wine, with all the hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits of those healthy herbal teas.
You may use energy drinks as part of your fuelling strategy for training or race day, but the best ones can also be enjoyed cold, over ice, for when you want a refreshing pick-me-up. Red Bull's latest Winer Edition is Spiced Pear flavour (to get you in the Christmas spirit early), sugar-free and doesn't have that artificial taste like some energy drinks do.
Yes, you heard that right. Pentire does margaritas now - and they're seriously good. The brand's coastal botanicals are blended with lime, agave, sea salt and a dash of Mexican chilli to create a fresh and zingy cocktail that comes read to drink. Just grab some ice, prepare that salty rim, and enjoy!
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